The University of Wisconsin-Superior has added a Bachelor of Science degree in sport and recreation management to its list of programs.

Residing within the Health and Human Performance Department, this degree is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the rapidly growing sport, fitness, recreation and event management industries. Available both on campus and fully online, the program combines business fundamentals, applied learning and real-world experience to support students in launching meaningful careers nationwide.

UW-Superior will also continue to offer a minor in sport management for those interested in paring it with another major.

“The sport and recreation management degree has a strong foundation in leadership, business, and community engagement,” said Kim LeBard-Rankila, associate professor and chair of the Health and Human Performance Department at UW-Superior. “Students gain real-world experience through applied coursework, fieldwork placements and partnerships with local and regional sport, recreation and wellness organizations.”

Sport and recreation is a multi-billion-dollar global industry, with continued growth projected across Wisconsin, Minnesota and the nation. Employers increasingly seek professionals with expertise in event coordination, facility operations, recreation programming and sport marketing and administration – skills central to UW-Superior’s curriculum.

The sport and recreation management program, which is the only one of its kind in the region, responds to strong workforce demand, as careers in sport and recreation continue to grow faster than average both nationally and regionally.

The program provides students with practical experience in sport and recreation program planning, business operations, budgeting, marketing, leadership, event and facility management, wellness programming and ethical and professional standards. The curriculum emphasizes applied learning, which provides graduates with real-world experience to strengthen their degree.

“A key differentiator is the program’s emphasis on experiential learning – students don’t just study sport and recreation management; they practice it,” said LeBard-Rankila. “Students work closely with professionals throughout their degree, allowing them to graduate with both experience and a professional network.

High-impact learning opportunities are a core component of the program. Students participate in internships, fieldwork, service-learning projects, employer site visits, job shadowing and senior capstone experiences. Students will also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through UW–Superior Yellowjacket Athletics and Campus Recreation, working directly in campus-based sport and recreation settings.

Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in sport and athletic administration, event and facility management, parks and recreation, fitness and wellness leadership, youth and nonprofit sport organizations, sport marketing, media and tourism. The degree also provides strong preparation for graduate study in sport management, recreation, or related fields.